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Chlorine leak sends 71 to hospital in SW China

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2008-09-18 06:43

KUNMING -- Seventy-one people were hospitalized after a chlorine leak in a chemical plant in southwest China's Yunnan Province, local authorities said late Wednesday.

The leak occurred around 3:35 pm Wednesday in liquified chlorine workshops of the Xundian Phosphorus and Power Company in Xundian Hui and Yi Autonomous County, the county's official sources said.

All the sick staff were sent to hospital within half an hour. They were receiving treatment or under medical observation. No deaths have been reported.

The company is under Yunnan Phosphorus Group.

The leak has been contained. Environmental authorities said air quality had returned to normal.

The cause of the leak is still under investigation.